If you haven't discovered Government Island yet...What's holding you up? It is the best deal in the county for free family fun...and it gets the kids outside. I recently had some of my many grandchildren visiting and we trekked over to the Island to take care of some. The stroller friendly wooden boardwalk is safe for all ages. It is shaded most of the time, making it comfortable even on the hottest summer days. The only thing to watch out for is the occasional poison ivy vine that hangs close. Just remember...leaves of three, leave it be.
I didn't get a photo, but I have it from a reliable eye-witness that blue crabs have moved into the waters at Government Island. Most likely the salinity level is up due to the drought. Please don't catch them. Fishing isn't really allowed at GI.
While on the boardwalk, keep your eyes open. Just a partial list of what can be seen includes: deer, beaver, muskrat, turtles, snakes, osprey, bald eagles, woodpeckers (at least 5 kinds!), dragonflies, butterflies...I could go on and on. And just last evening, my husband spotted the resident barred owl. He flies on silent wings, but if you have ever heard a bared owl, you won't forget that sound. Think of a scary movie around Halloween time when the unseen monster is about to attack. Early evening is the best time to spot the owl. After a nice sleep somewhere in his favorite tree, he comes out for some serious night time hunting.
So grab your shoes and a bottle of water and get outside with the family for a free, fun, healthy experience.
And join us on Saturday, August 18 at 4:00 for a free guided nature hike.
Maria C., naturalist
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